(HealthNewsDigest.com) – In this day and age, when we want everything fast and easy, a car is not only required but essential. Modern life just isn’t complete without having a set of four wheels we can use to drive around the city. However, as much as it’s a convenient way to get you from point A to point B, driving can lead to a point where it gets unhealthy.
In an article in Time magazine, driving can lead to various physical ailments due to the fact that it doesn’t require much physical effort. Citing a study by researchers from the University School of Medicine in Saint Louis and the Cooper Institute in Dallas, commuting more than ten miles can raise blood sugar levels, which can cause a whole host of negative effects such as diabetes.
Stress is also a risk factor when driving, especially when the commute takes at least an hour and a half. Fitness can also be adversely affected since driving causes people to exercise less. And of course, we shouldn’t leave out the risk of a car accident that can leave you with critical injuries and a long hospital bill to boot.
So, to answer the question, “Is driving bad for your health?,” you could say “Yes, it is”. However, it only becomes unhealthy when you’re not pursuing an active and healthy lifestyle. It’s no secret that driving can be a convenient means of travel, but you only need to keep yourself healthy in return.
Here are a few tips that will help you become a healthy driver.
1. Get enough sleep
Road accidents are likely if you lack sleep. In a survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, not getting a good night’s sleep can be fatal to those who commute to work in the early morning. So, it’s actually not advisable to drive while you’re on the brink of dozing off behind the wheel. As much as possible, get at least seven hours of sleep a day and avoid staying up late to do extra work. The fatigue can do you in, especially if your daily commute is a more than a half hour long.
2. Eat a balanced breakfast
You know what else is the result of a lack of sleep? Skipping breakfast. Being the most important meal of the day, breakfast is supposed to provide you with the energy you need to survive that eight hour shift. It’s also supposed to give you an extra performance boost while driving. A grumbling stomach is definitely not a good feeling to have when you’re pushing the pedals.
3. Keep calm
Heavy traffic can cause tempers to rise, and sometimes it brings out the worst in people. Who wouldn’t act violently when clearly the vehicle in front of the line crawls like a slug carrying an anvil? Sometimes, tempers can flare up for no particular reason, with some drivers causing deliberate road collisions due to their road rage. In such instances, remember to stay calm and never confront motorists who are acting up. If they cause a collision, it’s better to step out of the car, gather evidence, and call the authorities. If there’s an injury involved or your vehicle is damaged, never attempt to handle the situation by yourself. Consult an attorney that has experience in handling car accident cases. Visit us here to get great representation in court.